Student & Family Update
April 29, 2022
Good afternoon everyone,
I hope that you enjoyed a great week!
- We are looking forward to seeing G7 families at the Grade 7 Open House on September 25th from 4-6pm. Please see the schedule below, which will help you plan who to see and where to be!
- Passing MCAS in Grade 10 ELA & Math and Science in Grade 9 is a state requirement for graduation. We will be sharing results from the Spring MCAS testing session with students and families when they are sent to us from DESE. We will be reaching out to students who need to take a resit test in Grade 10 ELA/ Math in November early next week. This is so that staff can work with students in helping them prepare for success in this test. We will communicate to students and families about G9 Science results from June of this past year.
- Twin Lakes has taken over from Suzor as our IT company. They have been doing a great job in helping distribute chrome books and Aspen log ins. Please reach out to them directly with any questions or concerns: support@twinlakesconsulting.zendesk.com
- Ahead of the official Solarpanel launch at the STEAM Fair on November 14th, please find a live link to see how our solar panels are having an impact on our buildings.
- Student Council is planning a Band and Bonfire event for Friday October 18th from 6:30-9pm. Anyone interested in donating old pallets, please contact StuCo Advisor M: rmastorakis@mtrsd.org
Please read on for information and news related to our busy school. This includes:
- Athletics Updates
- Student Services updates: PSAT information for Grade 10 and 11
- Mary Lyon Resource Fair: October 30th
- Teaching and Learning updates: AP Environmental Science
- AP Brault's Culture Corner
- Regular and Late Bus information
- Important upcoming dates
- Community involvement and outreach opportunities
- District updates
If you are reading this newsletter on a phone or laptop, don't forget to click on "read entire message" in order to see the complete newsletter.
Finally, we do our best to convey information to our community from a variety of sources, lots of them community rather than school based organizations. Unfortunately we are not able to share images and posters with live links through Smore but always ensure there is an email for inquiries. If you would like an e-copy of a poster with live links, please feel free to reach out to the office directly.
Have a great weekend
Best
Chris
Upcoming dates
- September 25th: Grade 7 Open House & Official Outdoor Classroom opening (Grade 7 only)
- October 9th: School photos
- Oct 15-18: Booster week (Dance on Sat 19th)
- Oct 24th - PSAT (10th and 11th Grade) Information coming next week
- October 30th: SLC for Grade 8-12 & Mary Lyon Resource Fair
- November 14th: Grades 5-8 STEAM Fair
- April 2nd: SLC for grades 7,8,9,10,11,12
- April/ May:TBD Capstone Community Celebration (The new version of Celebration of Learning)
- May 29th: Senior Awards
- May 30th: Class of 2025 Graduation
District (Calendar for 24/25)
Quarter 1 45 days
First Day: Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Last Day: Thursday, October 31st, 2024
Q1 progress report grades close on: Friday, September 27, 2024
Q1 progress report grading window: Weds, September 25 - Weds, October 2nd, at 11:59 pm
Q1 progress reports will be distributed on: Thursday, October 3rd, 2024
Q1 grading window: Tuesday October 29 - Wednesday November 6th at 11:59 pm
Q1 report cards will be distributed on: Thursday, November 7, 2024
The fall athletic season is in full swing, and many of our teams are experiencing early season success on the court, fields, and trails! Please remember that all of our athletic schedules can be found HERE. Go Warriors!
Volleyball Remains Undefeated At 6-0!
Coach Lannon and her squad have started their season on fire by beating everyone in their path! This includes a tough independent match against a fierce Chicopee team, as well as a barn burner against league rival Turners Falls. Falling behind two sets to none, our Warriors stormed back to take the next three sets to defeat the Thunder for the first time in over a decade! With two victories this week against Mahar and Greenfield, our spikers are poised to make some noise in the PVIAC postseason!
Young Cross Country Squads Earn Early Season Victories!
After being narrowly defeated by league rival Frontier, both our boys and girls cross country squads have ripped off 5 straight victories against the likes of Pioneer, Easthampton, Hopkins, Palmer, and PVCA! While Coach Chadwick’s girls are being led by the three-headed monster of Anya Read, Virginia Krezmien, and Natalie Lanoue, the boys are finding success behind Junior Peter Healy and Freshmen Rex Kuoppala, Aymeric Loucka, and Carson Richardson. Both teams look to continue their winning ways when they travel to Southwick next Tuesday!
Middle School Soccer Picks Up Pair Of Victories
The Mohawk Trail Middle School Soccer squad is reaping the benefits of their hard work, and have swept the season series against the Academy at Charlemont! In their season opener they made the long trek across the Deerfield River and defeated The Academy 5-1, and then followed that with a 8-1 victory in their home opener a couple days later. The Warrior offense is being led by 8th grader Sawyer Thurber and 7th grader Liam Zarotney, while the defense is being anchored by goalkeeper Tyler Peterson. It should be a fun season for our soccer season as they continue to build a bright future for their program.
School Student Council Updates!
- Booster Week 15-18th - more news coming soon:
- Band by the Bonfire: October 18th, 6:30-9pm (send Addie an email if you want to sing/ dance/ play music!)
- Booster Dance - 7-10pm Sat 20th(Students must be in good academic and conduct standing per the Student Handbook)
Robin Jenkins!
Hello Mohawk Trail!
Although I am not new to the district, I am new to the Student Service office. For the past 20+ years I worked as a paraprofessional at Heath Elementary and Sanderson Academy, respectively. Prior to that, I was a Recreation Director on Cape Cod. I am an alumna of Rowe Elementary and Mohawk Trail.
My favorite things in life are being with my family, friends and my dog. I love working on projects around my house and yard, as well as participating in any activity where I can enjoy the outdoors.
I am excited to be part of the Mohawk Trail team!
THINGS TO REMEMBER FROM THE HEALTH OFFICE
If your child has any of these symptoms: Fever (>100.0° Fahrenheit or higher): Stay home until 24 hours after symptoms resolve AND are fever free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. A covid antigen test is highly recommended before returning to school. Shortness of breath, muscle or body aches, sore throat, new congestion or runny nose, new loss of taste or smell, or new cough First 4 days of symptoms: If symptoms are mild, recommend a covid antigen prior to sending them to school. If negative: Can attend school that day, if they have the stamina to participate in the school day and are available to learn. Should mask until symptoms resolve. Continue careful handwashing. If Covid positive Contact the school nurse. If they have very mild or no symptoms, no fever, and have the stamina to participate in the school day and are available to learn, they may come to school wearing a mask at all times while indoors except while eating, drinking, or napping. Students with significant symptoms may return to school on day 6 as long as they are fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications, AND have improvement in symptoms, AND mask while indoors until they test negative on day five or later. If Exposed to Covid: If you have been exposed to someone with a respiratory virus, you do not need to stay home as long as you remain asymptomatic. You may be able to spread a respiratory virus before developing symptoms. To protect others, especially those with risk factors for severe illness, take precautions: Wash your hands often Consider wearing a mask and avoiding crowded places Monitor yourself for symptoms carefully Stay home if you start to develop any signs of illness. Day 6 and onward (if still symptomatic) Can come to school without covid antigen testing if symptoms are improving but will need to mask until day 11. Continue careful handwashing.
Sincerely,
Donna Weber, MSN, BSN, RN
MTRS School Nurse
MTRS/HRS District Nurse Leader
413-625-9811 ext. 1318
Fax: 413-825-3050
Have a look at the latest news from the MTRS library, here
Spotlight on AP Environmental Science
If you want growth, hold the salt!
Mohawk Trail students in the Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science class conducted a laboratory experiment to understand the effect of 5 different levels of salinization on the growth of mung beans.
In three separate groups, the students went to work reading the directions, making calculations, using supplies, mixing saline solutions, and depositing a moistened paper towel and a pinch of mung bean seeds in plastic bags.
They conferred about quantities and timing, formulas and resulting calculations. Heard around the lab tables were these comments:
“I’m just trying to make an equivalent fraction now?”
“Does x equal 2?”
“I think having the percentage would be helpful.”
“Where did the 1% come from?”
“I am doubting myself.”
“Where’s our salt?”
“Put 10 in this one.”
“Write it down so you know what you did.”
The 12 students dutifully went about their work not knowing what they would find in their bags in just a couple of days. Ultimately they proved that when the seeds are exposed to a higher level of salinity, their growth is stunted. Their science teacher, Judy Licht, explained that when we see “low salt area” roadside signs, they indicate a sensitive area in which the vegetation, wildlife, water sources, and/or soil may be affected by higher salt levels. Work in the lab translates into understanding of the real world!
PSAT information for G10 & 11
Here is the most recent Student Services Update. Lots of resources for students in each grade level including our Career of the Month section!
PSAT Information
The PSAT will be offered to all MRHS grade 10 and 11 students during the school day on October 24th!
There is no charge for the students to take the PSAT this year!
The PSAT is a PRACTICE for the SAT. Strong SAT scores can help with college admission and scholarships!
If you are a student who has an IEP or 504 plan and has not turned in their parent permission form for accommodations, please do so by FRIDAY, 9/20. These were handed out in advisory last week and are available here and should be returned to Ms. Desarro in student services.
Do you want to practice for the PSAT? Click here!
The late Bus picks up at Mohawk Trail at 5:30 pm (Starting Sept 3rd)
Schedule dates for the late bus
Fall - Sept. 5th and runs to November 3rd.
Winter - Starts on November 27th and runs to Feb 16th
Spring - Starts on March 18th and runs to May 31st.
Roads traveled
Route 2 west (Mohawk Trail)
Stops at Wells Prevision ( Crn of Rt2/8A) in Charlemont
Continues down Route 2 west taking a right onto Zoar Rd
Stops at the Rowe Town Hall
Turns right onto Pond RD (Rowe)
Turns right onto Cyrus Stage Rd (Rowe
Turns right onto Number nine RD ( Heath)
Turns right onto Route 8A (Heath)
Turns left onto Branch Hill Rd (Heath)
Route Ends on Branch Hill Rd
Please contact:
Dawn Brown, Operations Manager, Tel: 413-489-3195 ext. 3304 F. M. Kuzmeskus, Inc., 635 Mohawk Trail, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
MTRSD Transportation and Facilities: rpease@mtrsd.org
What an amazing time we had with the teachers running the first assembly of the year! I was honored to participate! We had Olympic Trials for 2040 with chair breakdancing and a teacher obstacle course. Everyone had a great time and left laughing and cheering. Going forward advisory groups will be taking on the responsibility of running the assemblies.
We continue to be short staffed and I have had the pleasure of spending time in the cafeteria most days with students. Students need to remember to be on their best behavior in the cafeteria and outside. There have been tons of wrappers and apple cores left outside and some instances of throwing food in the cafeteria. These are small incidents now so let’s get on top of them while we can.
Are you a caregiver who is an alum of MTRS? I have given two tours and we had a fabulous time. Is your class on an anniversary ending in 5 or 0? Send me a note and I would be happy to continue the tours.
Open Houses - Mark Your Calendar!
September 25: Colrain Central School Harvest Fair/Open House
September 25: Mohawk Trail Regional 7th grade Open House
September 25: Hawlemont Open House
Also, save the date for the Mary Lyon Resource Fair on October 30th from 3pm to 7pm at Mohawk Trail Regional. The event will feature activities and resources for families and students of all ages. More specific info to come!
Still Looking to Fill Paraprofessional Positions
Have you wanted to step into a school and work directly with students but haven’t figured out how? Right now paraprofessional educators are needed across The Mohawk Trail and Hawlemont Regional School Districts. Applying could be your first step toward achieving your goal of working in a school environment.
Paraprofessional educators, or “paras,” are trained aids who provide instructional and behavioral assistance in classrooms every day of the school year. They work under a licensed teacher but are not required to be licensed themselves. Some tasks include but are not limited to: organizing materials, supporting lessons, classroom management, and one-on-one work with students.
If you want to work in an environment that truly helps students and teachers succeed, please consider joining our team as a paraprofessional. Still not sure? Check out Greenfield Community College’s para educators training program (for people age 18 or older with a high school diploma or equivalent) or chat with one of our principals.
The Mohawk Trail and Hawlemont Regional School Districts seek candidates who enjoy students and peers alike, work well in a team and on their own, have strong communication skills, take direction well, bring joy to their work, help create a culture of belonging, and are flexible and creative. We welcome candidates of all ages, whether retired, just out of school, or any age between. This work may be done by people from all walks of life with the dedication to enrich the lives of students.
To apply for one of these or other open positions, visit the postings on the website, then forward cover letter, resume and recommendations to: ktotman@mtrsd.org.
A Look at Literacy
Second grade students across the districts have read the book The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds in which its main character, Vashti, has trouble believing she can draw. With her teacher’s creative response, Vashti’s perspective on her own abilities change. Each teacher and class in our district explores this content in their own way. Student work from Tabitha Shearer’s second grade class at Colrain Central will be on display at their open house on September 25th. At Sanderson, Bridget Lilly’s second grade class had no trouble diving into the art projects prepared for them.
Also at Sanderson, the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade MCBA book club starts on Tuesday, September 24th. It will take place in the library during lunch and their first audiobook will be The Best of Iggy, by Annie Barrows.
Colrain Central’s Reading Interventionist, Jennifer Martin, encourages “reading stamina” in young readers. From the readingrockets.org website, “Reading stamina is a child’s ability to focus and read independently for long-ish periods of time without being distracted or without distracting others. Find out how you can help your child develop reading stamina.” Colrain Central offers thanks to the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution who donated many books for their library and supplies for their school. Their generosity is greatly appreciated!
Separately, this week 8th grade students joined a virtual literacy pep rally featuring author (among many other talents) Kwame Alexander. They took part in a virtual reading, book talk, and Q&A, and were given the inside track on Alexander’s new book. This was particularly exciting because Alexander is the author of the 8th grade Module 1/Wit and Wisdom core text, The Crossover, which all 8th graders are reading. The book was published in 2014, won the 2015 Newbery Medal, earned the honor of the Coretta Scott King Award, and is a New York Times Best Seller, among other accolades.
To read more about Kwame Alexander and his books and other projects, visit his website here: https://kwamealexander.com/
Sanderson Academy’s Local Goods Are Now Available to Order
Sanderson’s annual fundraiser through the Local Goods Catalog will come to a close on Friday, September 27th. Please share the catalog LINK with family and friends and get your orders placed. Please know there is a separate LINK to the order form.
Oktoberfest at BSE - in Need of Helpers
A new event hosted by parents and community members from BSE is Oktoberfest! As the details come together, they are looking for helpers. If you are available on Saturday, October 28, please contact Flannery at ShelburneFallsOktoberfest@gmail.com. Otherwise, please save the date for this community-focused fundraising event.
Colrain Central Gets Visitor From the Neighborhood
We’re used to seeing cows around, right? Well, maybe not right outside our classroom windows.
Dana the Cow can usually be found in the pasture next door to Colrain Central. This week though, she took particular interest when she saw students being dropped off and apparently was not happy to be left out. She responded by getting loose and signaled from the window to be let in. Luckily she is very friendly and would probably make a good classmate but the farmer came to get her before she could learn anything.
Hawlemont Gears Up for 4H Offerings
Hawlemont 4-H clubs will begin in early October and will include Weaving, Farm Animal Science, Crafts and Baking. Other possible clubs may include Rabbits and Sewing. They are seeking someone interested in becoming a 4-H Leader for a STEM/Robotics or Circuits Club. If you are interested in becoming a 4-H Club Leader at Hawlemont, or in becoming an assistant Leader, please contact Principal Amber Tulloch. For general questions about Hawlemont 4-H contact Sheila Litchfield at dellfarmheath@gmail.com or call 413-337-4957.
Sustainability Study Update
BERK12 has released its latest findings through the Community Outreach Survey in a related report. This report is filed with those that came before it as a result of BERK12’s work on the 2Districts8Town sustainability study. You may find reports, meeting notes, and historical documents on the 2districts8towns resource page. In October, a virtual progress update and meetings with local selectboards are being scheduled to share findings to date.
Chris Buckland
Email: cbuckland@mtrsd.org
Website: www.mtrs.mohawktrailschools.org
Phone: 413-625-9811
Facebook: facebook.com/mohawktrailregional